If you’re in sales and marketing you probably hate voice mail.
But I love voice mail; and I’m loving it more every day. Not as a caller, but as the guy on the other end of the line who is constantly being hit with obnoxious pitches, many of which cross the line into scam territory.
Since switching on this feature in my phone system, overnight my work hours transformed into something peaceful and productive. I’m spared the constant interruptions, and in some cases saved from aggravation. I’m glowing with new found happiness.
If you work in a call center: I don’t begrudge you a living. However, consider finding another line of work. Get a real job, one that adds value to the few people who do pick up.
And yes, I can safely say that you don’t add value to my day by offering me elusive offers of savings on long distance calling, credit card processing and such. You see,I don’t believe you. Because you don’t know anything about me, don’t care about me, and would probably sell your own mother to the devil to make your quota.
Instead of boring, annoying of infuriating me, why don’t you create something that can make a positive difference in my life? Maybe something as simple as recipe for an amazing, healthy lunch. Or as complex as a software program that that kicks butt.
And by the way, don’t expect anyone to offer you a real job. It won’t be found in Craigslist or in the classifieds. Yes, you must create this job, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re self employed or a corporate drone type. Innovation is funded by passion, not an hourly rate.
On the flip side, the other calls I’m spared are calls from people who have been given the job of ad hoc price shopper. People and/or their employers who don’t understand how to use, specify and evaluate my products and services. Or they simply don’t believe that others can make a difference beyond the lowest price. That’s often a costly mistake.
And why should they believe that others can make a difference? Their view is supported by legions of businesses who don’t add value, the companies that delude themselves into thinking it’s simply a numbers game: more calls = more sales. The companies that bring yet another “me-too” offering to the marketplace.
Sadly, the minority of businesses that really do innovate and bring value to the customer often look just like the “me toos.” They use that same spin based approach: price-quality-service! It’s invariably about the company and never about the customer.
So, if you want to talk to me, you better bring a gift. Something with real value. Something that showcases the fact that you’ve done your homework, and that you really are good. That you’re willing to take the time to understand me. That you’ve created something truly unique.
Otherwise, you’ll get voice mail.
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You haven’t heard much from me lately because I’ve been in the workshop, creating stuff for you!
BigFishLocalPond.com will be springing to life very soon. If you like what you’ve just read, click here and you’ll receive my free e-course on small business marketing. See you there!
